James Kon
A local teenager saved the life of a 37-year-old man whom he pulled out of the water at the Aie Tenab Recreational Park in Kampong Selapon, Temburong District.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), five personnel from the Bangar Fire Station, led by ABKS 638 Abdul Rahman bin Haji Yazid, responded to an emergency call at 4.17pm on Monday.
By the time, firefighters arrived at the scene, the 17-year-old had already rescued the drowning man, said the FRD.
Both were treated by Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS) crew, before being transported to the Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam (PIHM) Hospital.
Following the incident, the FRD issued a safety advisory for the public.
The public is urged against swimming alone or beyond one’s limitations.
Always supervise or monitor children when playing in waters or swimming in the sea or river, the FRD said in the statement.
It also urged the use of a lifejacket when engaging in water sports.
The FRD also said, “In the event of a drowning incident, call the emergency services for help.
Make sure that you have sufficient swimming skills and wear a safety jacket, before attempting to rescue a drowning person. Always beware of rip currents.
“If caught in a rip current, try to float out of the current and swim to the left or right side to escape from it.
“Hikers are advised not to venture too deep into hilly terrain if the weather or surroundings have turned dark, or in rainy conditions. They should also avoid from going alone, and inform family members or friends of their whereabouts.
“For added safety, hikers should bring along a whistle, torch, mobile phone and some water, which may be needed in the event of an emergency.”
According to statistics from January to December 22 this year, the FRD responded to three calls for the search and rescue of lost individuals, three cases of individuals requiring lifting assistance, and three cases involving the search and rescue of individuals who went missing.
Last year, there were two calls for the search and rescue of lost individuals, four cases of individuals who needed lifting assistance, and seven search and rescue cases of individuals who went missing.
In the event of an emergency, contact the FRD at 995.